My side blazed with agony, radiating through every nerve in my body. Hot blood splashed across the hands that groped me, searching for wounds. I could only writhe and whimper, my protest growing weaker as my consciousness slowly darkened.
"There, I've retrieved it."
I didn't recognize the voice, but suddenly, the weights chaining my body and soul shattered. Mana flooded back into my soul, and I gasped, unconsciously releasing a pulse of life magic. Immediately, the flow of blood slowed, and my vision sharpened. The pain returned as well, my mind no longer dulled, but it quickly faded to simmer as wounds closed across my body.
"Damn inquisitors. Anti-magic blades," muttered Kahlen. He stood over me, several small knives floating over his open palm. Blood soaked his hand, running down his forearm and dripping off his elbow.
"Are you alright, my Lady?" Luxxa asked, cradling me in her arms.
I tried to speak and coughed wetly, struggling to clear my throat. My lungs burned.
